Thirty Catholic youth from the Myitkyina Diocese and neighboring dioceses gathered in Myitkyina for a four-day “Level Up Youth Camp,” designed to help young people strengthen their faith, develop leadership and communication skills, and prepare for their future beyond high school.

The camp, held from August 27 to 30, 2026, at St. Thomas Hall in Aung Nan, Myitkyina, brought together young men and women who successfully completed the Grade 12 examination in the 2025–2026 academic year.

More than simply celebrating their academic achievement, the camp encouraged the graduates to look ahead—to discover their potential, build meaningful relationships with one another, and understand how their education and faith can guide them in the next chapter of their lives.

Fostering Unity and Faith

According to Jerome Sut Myu Mai, Chairman of the Youth Committee of the Myitkyina Diocese, the program was organized to foster unity among young people and encourage them to deepen their faith while putting the knowledge and skills they have gained through education into practice.

“We want our young people not only to succeed academically, but also to grow in faith, build strong relationships, and learn how to use what they have learned for the good of others,” he said.

A central theme of the camp was the importance of communication and leadership. Addressing the young participants, Msgr. Dr. Peter Hka Awng Tu, parish priest of Myitkyina, emphasized that young people must learn to communicate, cooperate, and support one another if they are to become effective leaders.

“No communication, no work. No communication, no leadership,” he told the participants, highlighting communication as one of the essential qualities of a good leader.

He also reminded the youth of the importance of their identity and unity within the Catholic Church, saying that the Church established by Jesus Christ is one and cannot be replaced.

Program Highlights

The four-day program featured a wide range of talks and interactive sessions aimed at helping the young participants better understand themselves, their faith, and their responsibilities as members of society.

Among the topics covered were:

• “Five Pathways to Your Future,” presented by Fr. Kurt Zion Pala
• “Youth and Service,” by Anthony Ah Brang
• “Leadership and Communication,” by Msgr. Dr. Peter Hka Awng Tu
• “Catholic Social Teaching,” by Peter Matsaw
• “Who Am I?” by John Paul
• “Education,” by Dr. Veronica Nangzing Lu Awn

The camp also combined learning with spiritual and social activities. Participants took part in daily Mass, Rosary prayers, social games, and creative activities, giving them opportunities to deepen their spiritual lives while building friendships and teamwork.

Voices from the Camp

For some participants, the camp offered a new perspective on the meaning of service within the Church. John Nhkum Myu Jet, who achieved six distinctions in his Grade 12 examination, said he had previously not fully understood the importance of serving and participating in Church activities.

“Through this training, I realized that serving is not only for other people—it is also for ourselves,” he said. “By taking part in youth activities, we can meet and build relationships with many people, experience different places and opportunities, receive blessings, and grow toward success in life.”

He also expressed his gratitude to everyone who organized and supported the program.

A New Beginning

As the four-day camp came to an end, the young graduates left not only with memories of games, discussions, and new friendships, but also with a stronger sense of purpose as they prepare to enter a new stage of life.

The organizers hope that the “Level Up Youth Camp” will become more than a one-time gathering, encouraging young people to remain connected, continue growing in faith, serve their communities, and take an active role in the life of the Catholic Church.

For the participants, the message of the camp was clear: graduating from Grade 12 is not the end of the journey—it is the beginning of a new level.

By RVA Lisu Service